Fstoppers Reviews the AmazonBasics Carbon Fiber Monopod

Akin to the store brands that are found next to the name brands on the shelves in a brick-and-mortar supermarket, AmazonBasics products have become a go-to for equal quality at a budget price in the online realm. Daily-use items have traditionally been the mainstay for AmazonBasics, but more recently they’ve expanded and driven further into the comparatively niche markets, including photography. In this review, I take a closer look at the AmazonBasics Carbon Fiber Monopod which was released in April 2017.

AmazonBasics offers two types of monopods: an aluminum version and this carbon fiber model. Along with some spec differences, the aluminum version is far less expensive. However, in a monopod what’s really important is having a rigid construction so that there is no bowing or vibration from the weight load of a camera with only one leg to stand on. This is exactly what this 8X carbon fiber is going to offer over aluminum.

The AmazonBasics Carbon Fiber Monopod at its collapsed 17.5-inch length.

One of the main reasons I bought the AmazonBasics CF Monopod is that it collapses down to a minimum height of 17.5 inches. Compared to other name brand monopods in the same price range, this was on the short end of what I found. This is good for both travel compactness as well as how I like to sometimes capture wildlife. Getting low as possible can be a great angle, and it’s here that can also be a pain to hold steady and level for long periods of time peeping at the tilted LCD display without support. Other monopods seemed to hover around 20 inches or so at their shortest.

The five-section, twist-lock monopod can extend out to 61 inches, and if paired with a ball head or tilt head, the camera’s viewfinder rises over my eye line as a person just short of 6 feet tall. When I take care not to expand each leg to its full potential, therefore further increasing rigidity, the viewfinder sits just right.

The AmazonBasics Carbon Fiber Monopod at full extension with ball head and camera attached. For reference, I'm 5 feet 10 inches tall (and would make a terrible model).

The uppermost 8X carbon fiber tubing is around 1.25 inches in diameter (1.75 inches including the hand grip). Tapering down in each of the five sections, the bottommost tubing is about 0.8 inches in diameter.

In total, the monopod weighs 0.95 pounds and can support loads of up to 22 pounds according to the product description. So if you’re using a $10,000-plus super telephoto prime lens attached to a 1D X Mark II with a speedlight and Better Beamer on this, watch out! For me, I’ve kept it well within the safety zone by using a mirrorless camera and comparatively lighter telephoto lenses such as the Sony FE 70–200mm f/2.8 GM and FE 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6 GM. At no time have I thought the materials were being strained and affecting the stabilization.

The monopod comes with a metal spike foot that can be switched out from the rubber foot.

The top can also be removed to make any other modifications.

What I Liked

The hand grip is made from a comfortable material and its large circumference feels good to hold steady in your hand.

The rubber base can be switched with a screw-in metal spike (included) if you’re constantly working in the grass or sand. The threading can also be used with a floor stand (not included).

Having used this monopod exclusively outdoors in grass, dirt, and sand, I haven’t had any issues with debris getting caught up in the legs or locks.

Travel-friendly and low-angle ready with its 17.5 inch collapsed height.

Comes with a basic slim profile carrying case with strap.

It’s covered under the AmazonBasics one-year limited warranty.

What Could Be Improved

I’d like a kit option that would pair a three-footed floor stand for more stabilized video work.

Having a shoulder strap included that could be affixed directly onto the monopod, no separate carrying case needed.

Even though the monopod has twist locks, they only release and lock at one point during the twist rather than having a gradual tensioning. There’s a noticeable “click” you feel when twisting to know when the leg section is now loose/tight. This is probably fine, I’m just never used to it though going back and forth from my Gitzo tripod.

Ryan Mense is a professional photographer and Fstoppers editor based in the Twin Cities. His images are characterized by vibrant colors and uncomplicated, meaningful compositions that strongly translate in publication and fine art printing.

Alongside gear reviews and news, Ryan heads selection for the Fstoppers Photo of the Day.

4 Comments

I just recently bought the Amazonbasics carbon fiber tripod. I took it with me on a trip to Italy and Greece where I carried everything on. While I don't think it'll replace my full size manfrotto, it got the job done and didn't add too much unnecessary weight to my pack.

I bought this in early June, but it ended up out of stock until a month later. Received it in July and used it to photograph a softball tournament in Idaho, a visit to some craters in Oregon, and a hiking trip in the mountains around Lake Tahoe. Performed incredibly well. It is light and compact, yet very strong and stable. I even used it for several HDR exposure-bracketed series with very good results.

On the downside, I found the rubber stopper to loosen far too easily, and the rubber grip wasn't as well affixed to the top tube as I'd like (rides down over time). But these are very minor quibbles for a device which far outperforms its price point.